Everything is Extraordinary is Cole Mortenson's reflections on different encounters he had with various people, most famous but some not, over the course of his years as a journalist. This list includes famous writers like Seamus Heaney and Phillip Pullman, actors like Scarlett Johanson and Susan Sarandon, religious leaders like Desmond Tutu, and political figures like Queen Elizabeth. Mortenson does an excellent job of taking these rather surface encounters (as every interview by nature is) and having them all go deep in unique ways. More than a who's who of culture over the past few decades, the book illustrates that there is beauty in all of us. While there were a couple interviews and insights I strongly disagreed with, I especially loved his last interview and he was wise to place it there.

Some quotes from the book:
"Zoom forces us all to speak to the mirror like the wicked stepmother in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, wondering, am I fair enough?"

"It pleases me greatly that she is a great scholar. I find that an endlessly renewable source of interest and love." - Clive James

"If you want the muse to visit you, she needs to know where you are. So, my advice is to go to your desk every day and stay there. The habit of being in the same place every day is an enormous help for all sorts of reasons. If you decide that you are going to produce three pages every day, as I have done for fifty years, it does help you overcome those periods when it is difficult. So what if it is? Do it anyway." - Philip Pullman

This is a thought-provoking collection of stories from Moreton's life as a journalist reflecting on small moments of significance that helped him see life in a new way. From the rich and famous to the spiritual and political greats to a young refugee these encounters reflect on the power of story and the transformative influence of inspiration, faith and determination. Touched with moments of humour, Moreton's down to earth and, at times, vulnerable narrative is warm and humble. An enjoyable, inspiring read.
This honest review is given with thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book.

Cole Morton's EVERYTHING IS EXTRAORDINARY is an exceptional, deeply moving, profound book -- an important and essential guide to what it means to be human, fully awake and aware of one another and the miracles around us. I loved the stories, the moments, the writing so tight and elegant it was poetry. I cannot choose any one particular story that stood out for me -- all of them were gems and all of them were extraordinary. I received a copy of this book and these thoughts are my own, unbiased opinions.

So, to me, this book is about connections, connections with each other and with the rest of the world and with nature... And these stories are proof that everything IS extraordinary, and that every everyone is important.
The author describes his encounters with others: an interview with Scarlett Johansson, getting to the funeral when Nelson Mandela died, trying to speak with Desmond Tutu and frightening him, the time he tried to crash the funeral of the Kray brothers' mother, even stories about his childhood friend and relatives... The stories are touching, emotional, and sometimes funny. When he talks to others, they talk about others who affected them too. It's great. Anyone reading this will feel more connected.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this

Cole is a skilful storyteller and he recounts the stories in a meaningful and hopeful way which makes the extraordinary relatable and his writing style is easy to read.

GRATITUDE is one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit and such a powerful day. Because only a grateful man knows how to value what he has and be grateful for it, e. With books like these, today's man looks. because we don't know how to appreciate God, nor ourselves as a gift, nor life as a gift - Only when we start losing something or it starts approaching its end do we realize what we had. The book is an inexhaustible source of important messages and the same. Congratulations to the author and the publisher who recognized it. I recommend for reading.